Open Source Fuel Can

Basics

• This page aims to lay out the design of a (hypothetical) improvement of the Jerry Can , bringing the design into the modern era
• Much of the design is copied over though
• Mostly hypotheticals/ideas by User: Eric for now, but feel free to add more info!

Parts

Core Tank

• This would essentially just be an Aluminum or Stainless Steel Jerry Can (with the single weld)
• Ideally would be robotically welded as well, a mold like jig aiding in Workholding
• The goal is something that wouldn’t rust/corrode (such as a Mild Steel version), but coatings to prevent Liquid Fuel-Tank Material Reactions will be added as well

Potential Alternative Versions

• The “main one” would be lower risk as it would have the conventional single spout version
• A version with a Cam-Lock fitting for the spout may be interesting, although may introduce more leaking than it would make worthwhile
  • This or the treaded design could also adapt a Jerrycan into a giant Drip Torch potentially
• A version with separate “Fill” and “Pour” Nozzles may be nice
  • This would be akin to some COTS Safety Cans
  • This allows one to have:
    • A Flexible Pour Spout
    • A Flashback Arrestor / Flame Mitigation Device and/or a Fuel Filter on the fuel-in part
    • Allows you to put the fill port parallel to the flat base, thus allowing a great visual of the fill volume
• A version with one or more “cleanout” ports
  • Would be very Design for Cleaning oriented
    • A BIT overkill, since a Clean in Place Tool could PROBABLY be lowered into the spout of even a STANDARD jerrycan, but having separate spouts for your cleaning tool/jet of water in, and dirty PCW out is nice
    • Main issue would be implementing this on a flat + thin metal can
  • A “False Floor” allowing for a semi-Cone Bottom Tank and recessed threaded plug may suffice, albeit adding to the vertical height of the overall device

Inner Coating

• This exists to prevent the Liquid Fuel from reacting with the Metal of the can
  • To an extent this also prevents corrosion, but one of the Design Decisions in this is to use an Intrinsically Corrosion Resistant container SUCH THAT any coating wear doesn’t lead to Flash Corrosion / Damage and Leaks
• Traditionally some sort of Enamel Paint or Epoxy / Paint is used
• While some sort of Vitreous Enamel / process akin to Glass Lined Steel MAY work, there are some concerns with differing Thermal Expansion rates leading to cracks long term
• Furthermore Micro/Nanoplastic Pollution is particularly acute from Paint/Coatings, so having a coating be Biodegradable is perferable
  • Albeit hopefully Slow/Negligible Biodegradation UNTIL it is Micronized and/or Not Biodegradable by anything that can survive a Hydrocarbon Rich Environment
• Furthermore from a Design for Inspection perspective, having a Base Coat of a High Vis color, followed by an Opaque layer of White/Grey or Black would allow for the quality of the lining to be discerned easily solely by Visual Inspection / with an Inspection Camera ; No Wall Thickness Sensors needed

Exterior Coating

• This exists to reduce wear and tear on the metal tank, to aid in Visual Inspection of the tank, and depending on policy to communicate what fuel is contained within (Re: Fuel Can Color Codes )
  • To an extent though any color can be used as long as sufficient labeling/placarding is used
• The Intrinsically Corrosion Resistant nature of the tank reduces MOST of the need of this coating to prevent corrosion/UV Exposure etc, but protection from those isn’t HORRIBLE per se
• As previously stated however, M/NP Pollution is a concern, ESPECIALLY for a surface exposed to abrasion/the elements (UNLIKE the tank lining)
• A coating similar to Japanning or a Bituminous Paint should suffice
• A Base coat of a High Vis color, and a Black Topcoat will also allow for easy inspection for coatings/chippings in the paint etc
• Some form of Biodegradable Clear Coat and/or Vehicle Wax may be warranted too
• All of this should also be Fuel Compatible such that any spills do not dissolve/foul the coating

Accessories

• A Vehicle Mount
  • Essentially just a Jerry Can Vehicle Mount BUT:
    • A shock adsorbing/non scraping material is used for all surfaces in-contact with the can
      • These are considered a “wear component” and thus should be easily replaced, perhaps if affixed via screws or bolts in Threaded Holes/Inserts?
    • The design is easily secured/loosened even with Gloved Hands ( Design for Accessibility )
  • A “Deluxe Version” Could integrate a lock or even NETWORK WITH the Electronic Vehicle Lock )
    • An Electric Heater could be used to keep Diesel Fuel warm to prevent Fuel Gelling as well!
  • A version should also be made that is “stackable” and/or compatible with stackable cans
  • A Mount for Labels may be handu
  • Different ways to mount it to a vehicle should also be provided, for example:
    • KeyMod ( M-LOK potentially too, although this is not an Open Source Standard)
    • MOLLE/PALS
    • Aluminum Extrusion Fastners
    • Threaded Hole + Bolts
    • Weld-On
• Something akin to a Drink Cozy but for the fuel can
  • This would allow for additional (and easier to swap out/repair; cheaper than a new can) Abrasion Protection
  • It would also allow for there to be places to store nozzles/caps/spare gaskets
    • This would make those harder loose; akin to a Shadowboard )
    • It could be made either as a “boot” or be made in a full length case
      • The Full Length Case could also be adapted for use directly as an External Frame Backpack for a hike where the load is divided among participants (such as “you carry the fuel, you carry the stove, you carry the tent” etc). It could also be attached to a suitable MOLLE/PALS Backpack
  • Minor Shock Protection could also be added, such as by using a Cork base
  • Minor Tipover Protection could be added as well
• An Anti-Tipover Base
  • Essentially a metal square with fold out legs
  • Could be integrated into the “cozy” idea
  • Especially useful if it is used INSTEAD OF a built in tank for something such as a Generator or Liquid Fueled Forced Air Heater etc)
• A Pour Spout
  • Essentially (insert link here|this) but the same thread or cam lock as this can
  • Also integrate it into the “shadowboard cozy” idea

Internal Links

• Jerry Can
  • The aforementioned base for much of this idea
• Liquid Fuel Cans
  • A page going over various existing fuel cans, much of which is cause for inspiration/irks that lead to these Design Decisions